16.3.10

Did you know I'm a composter? Okay, to clarify, I compost starting in March and usually ending some time in late November. I then take the cold winter months off because a) who wants to trudge around in the cold carrying buckets of slop and an unwieldy shovel? and b) compost doesn't really get warm enough to properly decompose in the harsh of winter, so why bother?

But it's composting season now. I went out to examine my pile(s) earlier and was so proud of them. I started composting last spring without any idea of whether it would work ... or if I would tough it out. Because surely composting is difficult, right? The correct answer is not really. You save kitchen scraps (greens) and paper products (browns) and then bury them in the hole in the ground. Scatter dirt on top to mask the food smell and turn it every few days. In no time your food and paper waste becomes organic matter that's perfect for gardening.

And even if you abandon it, as I did back in November, you'll still be amazed by the richness of the soil. This is our yard (notice how the grass is splotchy and weak):

And this is where I kept the compost (notice the lush weeds):

That's what I'm talkin' about! I am a firm believer that you don't need fancy composters or tubs to make good use of your waste (and keep it from sitting in a landfill). A patch of ground away from the house, a shovel and some elbow grease are enough to make you a professional composter.

So don't think I'm a sell out when I tell you that my darling mountain man bought me this (much cheaper at Lowe's, mind you) as an early mother's day gift:

We have no room for it on the deck just yet because somebody is from Tennessee and sees nothing wrong with filling the deck with boat seats, but I've demanded he make room for it in seven days or less. And then my composting-the-easy-way will begin (and I will look back fondly on trudging around with the bucket and shovel).

To keep my street cred, I do plan to go out back and dig up my own worms. And maybe pet my compost from last year. Because that's totally street cred worthy, right?

Great post! Speaking of worms, we're able to do a little composting year round due to our little worm friends. My sons love feeding their worms. We keep it in the basement in the winter and in our garage during the summer. I'm also planning on building a compost bin with wooden pallets that I got for free at our local hardware shop.

@CaneWife - Worms aren't really that bad. I had earthworms, centipedes, grubs, and more in my compost pile last year and it definitely helped. If you compost in the ground, the worms come on their own.

@BLW - it makes me feel cool (in a really dorky way)!

@Cheri - you can compost newspaper and some mail. Those are considered browns. I bought a shredder to reduce the surface area and make it easier to turn them once they got in the whole.

@Jen - I'm hoping the deck composter will make it easier to keep going through the winter. I'd like a huge bin (bc I could use more leaves and yard waste), but that'll come in our next house.

I am on the same page...really...I had an awesome garden last summer, and being that we're moving, the first thing I'm doing (besides unpacking, painting, yada, yada) is creating a compost pile. I had the best time with my garden and I love to cook so it's monetarily necessary. Good job. I'll be joining the compost club before you know it!

@Allison - if you compost out in your yard, the worms come on their own. I never added worms to my compost because they found it very quickly.

What you really need to brace for is the potential stink of counter-top bin. I got one with a locking lid that kept the smell minimal (though I only emptied it when it got full ... usually every two days or so).

Living in a condo without a yard or any space for a composter I am unable at this time to do any composting. The neighboring city offers composting for their residents, but not ours which makes me sad. I used to compost back in my home country and would love to get back at it. Some day though, some day...

@Marianne: I hear many people say they like using tubs inside (one woman keeps it in the cabinet under her sink), but I'm like you -- I'd want it outside or not at all. Maybe your city will get onboard soon!

@Becca: Did you know I'm from the country? I mean, it's not horse and tractor country, but it's the South. Agriculture is big here, so you can find a composting seminar on every corner. That helps!

@Denise: Thanks for following!

@Stacy: Is your aunt old? Because my sister let me know that only old people and hippies are this proud of their compost. I'm not a hippie so you know what that means... ;)

Well, living in the woods and having crappy soil for planting, how can I NOT be a fan of composting? We have not been diligent enough about it due to the wold animals that roam our property, but we are trying to figure out a solution. Also, love worms. I try to swipe as many as I can wrestle away from my gaiter-clad boys.

Anyone who says street cred is awesome in my book. Mind you, my book is devoid of a chapter on composting, but still! I've wanted to learn how to do it; it's on my to do list for this spring (along with about 700 other things).

I have one of those and I wouldn't put it on my deck. Only because the water sometimes leaks out when you water it to keep it wet and I think it would hurt the wood. I didn't stir mine last year and it wasn't ready when I went to use it so make sure to mix it up occasionally.

@Carrie - It's easier than it seems. I wouldn't invest in a composter at first. Try a small tub to see if you'll keep at it.

@THH - Do you like the composter? I can't decide if it's going to be worth the money. I turned my compost pile every other day last summer, so my plan is to do it even more frequently when it's close to the house. Thanks for the warning, though. I'll be making room for it at the bottom of the deck now!

@JD4 - That's why I started. I felt tremendous guilt putting kitchen scraps in the trash. Also, we grew up dumping food waste out in the back field, so it was sorta comforting to do something with it besides throw it away. I hope you give it a try!